Menifee man accused of sexual assault of minor

A Menifee man was arrested Thursday on suspicion of lewd acts with a minor while acting as the victim’s soccer coach, authorities said. Rosario Navarro Gonzalez, 49, was arrested without incident at his residence in the 27900 block of Adams Avenue, according to a Sheriff’s Department news release.

The investigation began on May 3, when deputies from the Palm Desert Station began investigating a report that on July 18, 2021, a 15-year-old female was sexually assaulted by a Hispanic male known to the victim. The suspect was determined to be the victim’s soccer coach.

Further investigation revealed that the victim was contacted again by the suspect on Feb. 2, 2022, while the victim was at a business in the 40800 block of Winchester Road in Temecula. The victim’s parents reported the incident to law enforcement. Gonzalez was identified as the suspect.

Gonzalez was booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Investigator Evans of the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station by calling 760- 836–1600. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Valley Crimestoppers at 760–341–7867, or submit a tip at valleycrimestoppers.org